Sunday, February 24, 2013

With the start of Spring Break around the corner (and summer soon
after!), some people, including our teens, will be traveling abroad.

Nothing can put a damper on fond memories of a trip faster than
sticker shock from your wireless bill. To help customers keep charges
predictable when traveling internationally, AT&T offers these tips:

· First, check service availability where you’re traveling.
· Determine wireless device compatibility with your travel destination.
· Check for provider hotspots where you’re traveling.
· If you want to use data and track your usage abroad, purchase an international data package. An international data package can significantly reduce
the cost of using data abroad. When evaluating which data package to
purchase, look at your average monthly data usage on past statements and
estimate your data needs based on the number of days you’ll be
traveling internationally. Remember, streaming audio/video can use a lot
of data very quickly.
· Track your usage upon arrival abroad. Some devices
(like iPhones) have native usage trackers, and most communication
manager software for laptops will have usage tracking capabilities. If
your device does not offer an embedded usage tracker, check to see if
your provider has an app that will. For example, AT&T offers the myAT&T app
· If you don’t want to receive email automatically, disable your device’s autocheck functionality. You may then use WiFi as a supplement to 3G/GPRS/EDGE to download and manually check email.
· If you want to place calls but not use data, check
the settings on your device before traveling abroad. By default, the
setting for international data roaming will typically be in the “OFF”
position.

Turning data roaming “OFF” blocks email, browsing, visual
voicemail and downloads, but it will not block text messages.
International roaming rates apply when you send text or picture/video
messages.

Let’s face it, in a time when gas is sky-rocketing, the groceries are
going up, the last thing we need to be faced with is another increase
of a monthly bill.

Due to the community demand, this is a free event and open to the public, however online registration is strongly recommended. Students 8 years-old and up are welcome.

Dr. Michele Borba
is an internationally recognized expert and author on children, teens,
parenting, bullying and moral development. Her work aims to help
strengthen children’s character and resilience, build strong families,
create compassionate and just school cultures, and reduce peer cruelty.
Her practical, research-based advice is culled from a career of working
with over one million parents and educators worldwide.

"Peer pressure and bullying are problems all school districts contend
with. We have the opportunity to be proactive in our approach to
solutions”, stated Superintendent Dr. Joseph Joyner, who will introduce
Borba at the event. “Parents, teachers, support staff and students will
all benefit from hearing Dr. Borba’s tips on how to present these
issues.

This event is presenting by St. Johns County Education Foundation and
Communities in Schools of St. Johns County. It is being sponsored by
The St. Augustine Record and First Coast News.

Thursday, February 7, 2013

Sexual abuse refers to any action that pressures or coerces someone
to do something sexually they don't want to do. It can also refer to
behavior that impacts a person's ability to control their sexual
activity or the circumstances in which sexual activity occurs, including
oral sex, rape or restricting access to birth control and condoms.Some
examples of sexual assault and abuse are:

Unwanted kissing or touching.

Unwanted rough or violent sexual activity.

Rape or attempted rape.

Refusing to use condoms or restricting someone’s access to birth control.

Sexual contact with someone who is very drunk, drugged, unconscious
or otherwise unable to give a clear and informed “yes” or “no.”

Threatening or pressuring someone into unwanted sexual activity.

Keep in Mind

Everyone has the right to decide what they do or don’t want to do sexually. Not all sexual assaults are violent “attacks.”

Most victims of sexual assault know the assailant.

Both men and women can be victims of sexual abuse.

Both men and women can be perpetrators of sexual abuse.

Sexual abuse can occur in same-sex and opposite-sex relationships.

Sexual abuse can occur between two people who have been sexual with
each other before, including people who are married or dating.

What to Do

If you have been sexually assaulted, first get to a safe place away
from the attacker. You may be scared, angry and confused, but remember
the abuse was in no way your fault. You have options. You can:

Contact Someone You Trust. Many people feel
fear, guilt, anger, shame and/or shock after they have been sexually
assaulted. Having someone there to support you as you deal with these
emotions can make a big difference. It may be helpful to speak with a
counselor, someone at a sexual assault hotline or a support group. Get
more tips for building a support system.

Report What Happened to the Police. If you do decide to report what happened,
you will have a stronger case if you do not alter or destroy any
evidence. This means don’t shower, wash your hair or body, comb your
hair or change your clothes, even if that is hard to do. If you are
nervous about going to the police station, it may help to bring a friend
with you. There may also be sexual assault advocates in your area who
can assist you and answer your questions.

Go to an Emergency Room or Health Clinic. It is
very important for you to seek health care as soon as you can after
being assaulted. You will be treated for any injuries and offered
medications to help prevent pregnancy and STIs.

Remember there is always help. For more information or to find out about available resources in your area, chat with a peer advocate.

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About Me

As a Parent Advocate and Author, my parenting book "Wit's End!" is
now available. Published by the publishers that brought you Chicken Soup
Book Series for the Soul series. Order today at www.witsendbook.com

My next book, Google Bomb, is also available now!
http://www.googlebombbook.com When revenge becomes e-venge many people are finding out how quickly their lives can be taken from them digitally and in real life!

Cyberbullying isn't only for kids, adults can sometimes be worse than teens!

Learn more and be proactive about maintaining your online reputation.

I am also on the Board of Director for Communities in Schools. I volunteer to help empower and keep teens in school. Education is the keys to success in life!